News

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Cook County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“The communities I represent have been hit with devastating damage in the wake of a record-breaking number of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms this summer, from property flooding to tree damage and other structural issues,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I encourage every resident and business owner impacted by these storms in the 12th District to take advantage of this opportunity so they can focus on what matters most: healing and rebuilding.” 

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva is proud to announce three local organizations in Chicago will be receiving a combined total of over $400,000 to support adult and family literacy efforts in Illinois.

“We recognize literacy for the multigenerational issue it is, and that means prioritizing educational and literacy advancements for both children and adults in our state,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The 12th District is proudly home to many Latino families who will benefit from access to programs like these, creating a stepping stone to help native Spanish speakers and first-generation Americans successfully assimilate into the United States’ workforce and support their children through the U.S. school system.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s strategic approach to addressing domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking, known as the Family Justice Center Act, was signed into law Friday.

“We know survivors of violence often struggle with accessing services, feeling the process is too overwhelming and too confusing to offer any real reprieve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When someone has a range of needs due to the trauma they’ve experienced, we have to ensure that individual is receiving comprehensive care that meets them where they are in their healing journey.”

A Family Justice Center is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary service center where public and private agencies assign staff members on a full-time or part-time basis to provide services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. These centers increase access to services for survivors and their children by reducing the number of times survivors must repeat their accounts and the number of places survivors must go for help. The goal is to ensure families have comprehensive support in one centralized location.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led a new law that strengthens environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“The Illinois Constitution makes it clear that all residents have the right to a healthful environment, meaning no communities in the state should be forced to bear the disproportionate and adverse weight that comes with air pollution,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Unfortunately, we know low-income, minority and immigrant communities are historically the ones who carry this burden and live with the effects of pollution exposure. This law recognizes that enough is enough and that our communities and families deserve better.”

Villanueva’s law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate environmental justice factors when reviewing certain air pollution construction permit applications. It also requires the IEPA to evaluate whether a proposed facility is located in an area of environmental justice concern and determine whether additional safeguards may be needed.